Skater Corey hoping AASE programme will help him fulfill his dreams

Corey Spencer (17) was inducted at a special event at the FA Headquarters in Burton alongside nine other youngsters chosen by NISA.

The National Ice Skating Association (NISA) recently launched the Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) – a sports performance programme providing training and development for talented young athletes aged 16-19.

The aspiring athletes will now go on to join a list of past AASE apprentices that includes Olympic gold medallist swimmer Rebecca Adlington, Olympic bronze medal diving star Tom Daley and Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere.

Corey said: “I’m so happy to be one of NISA’s chosen figure skaters and I can’t wait to get started.”

Nick Sellwood, chief executive of NISA, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for these skaters. The programme helps develop and nurture elite athletes and it’s the perfect programme for aspiring athletes.

“It also provides opportunities for second career development, should an athlete fall short of their ultimate sporting goal or chose to follow an alternative career path. It is something our Short Track skaters are already benefiting from and we are delighted to extend it to figure skating.”

The AASE course covers topics including technical and tactical skills, nutrition, lifestyle management, career planning and coaching and also supports athletes to go on and achieve a Level Three NVQ Diploma in Achieving Excellence in Sports Performance.

AASE apprentices also benefit from additional expertise including strength and conditioning experts, physiotherapists, nutritionists and mentors, whilst they are encouraged to be responsible for their own time management, commitment and skill development.

There are more than 2,500 athletes on the AASE throughout England across more than 20 sports.

For more information about NISA visit www.iceskating.org.uk.